Punjab Pollution Control Board bans lead in household and decorative paints

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has ordered strict enforcement of the 2016 regulation that limits lead content in household and decorative paints to no more than 90 ppm. All regional offices must ensure that paint manufacturers obtain certification from accredited laboratories confirming compliance, and that dealers keep copies of these certificates for verification by regulatory officials. The new directives integrate lead‑content checks into the existing consent‑process framework.

PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta highlighted that even low‑level lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially to children, affecting neurological development and learning ability. Citing the World Health Organization’s classification of lead as a major public‑health concern, the board aims to protect public health through rigorous monitoring and testing procedures coordinated with the Central Pollution Control Board.